"The West Java Creative Market is a form of our commitment to encourage better protection, development, and utilization of human resources and cultural resources for the creative industry in a sustainable manner," he said.
Speaking after the opening of a fashion show at the "West Java Creative Works Initiative - West Java Crafts Week" in Gedung Sate, Bandung, on Saturday, he informed that he had allocated some of the province's land to support the initiative.
"The place is so fitting, hopefully, it goes successfully. Indeed, the concept is 'open 24/7.' If it is to be 24 hours, there must be someone who lives here, so (there will be) three floors. First floor for trading; the second floor to channel creativity: there are studio, office, co-working space; the third floor is a flat, because there are many universities here. Must be fun to live here," he said.
The development of the market is being undertaken in two phases, with the first phase already concluded, he informed.
"Only the first phase, as per the budget. It will be pursued until the next phase, until all 27 districts/cities have their own local brands representing them," Kamil added.
He said the initiative is expected to make the people feel like they truly own their own country, away from the domination of foreign products that have local substitutes or counterparts.
The market will serve as evidence of West Java people's adeptness in engaging in creative pursuits that result in good MSME products.
The West Java Creative Market will serve as the center of marketing and development of West Java's economic progress, he added.
The head of West Java Industry and Trade Office, Noneng Komara Nengsih, said the first phase of the market has been inaugurated.
She informed that there will be more to come, considering that there is still plenty of space to showcase West Java's creative products, as per Governor Kamil's directive.
"This is only the first phase; currently, there are only 32 tenants. Some have inhibited it, all of whom are MSME players," she disclosed.
She said the plot was her administration's asset, however, the management will be handled by PT Jaswita, a company owned by the province.
"West Java contributes as much as 20.73 percent to the national creative economy's GDP (gross domestic product). It absorbs many workforce; however, it has yet to possess a representative creative economy center," she added.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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